I’ve caught my son, who’s in Grade 9, smoking pot a few times. I’ve told him repeatedly that I don’t want him smoking marijuana. Here’s the kicker: He discovered a small pipe belonging to me – I honestly forgot I had it, as it had been so long since I smoked. Now my credibility is shot.

When he confronted me, I told him that I smoke infrequently and socially. With him, my biggest worry is that his brain is still developing and marijuana could have adverse effects. Also, I am concerned about pot use affecting his daily life – grades, social and extracurricular life, etc.

I feel so hypocritical. I tend to be a pretty controlling mother, so this is likely viewed by him as a real betrayal. How should I handle this going forward?